Human Body

Nanobodies – A Hope For Future Treatment of Cancer

Posted by admin on Nov 3, 2011 in Cancer, Diseases, Drugs

Nanobodies are the smallest fragments and are generally called as “single domain antibody”, that occur naturally in heavy chain antibodies. Nanobodies are very active in the absence of a light chain.

Researchers have found that camel’s blood contains unique antibodies that are much smaller in size (1/10 of normal) and have activity like the larger form of the antibodies, in addition to the normal antibodies that are present in all vertebrates . The specialty in them is that because of their smaller size they can pass through much smaller blood vessels and reach remote areas like the brain and can pass through the placental barrier also in case of pregnant women. This has got a great advantage in the future immune biology in controlling diseases in humans, animals and plants. These smaller antibodies are referred as ‘Nanobodies’.

Specialties of Nanobodies:

Because of its smaller size they can pass even through the smaller blood vessels.
Nanobodies can also pass through the placental barrier.
Nanobodies can reach to the parts of the brain also.
They are stronger than the normal antibodies.
They can be safely administered orally. They are not digested in the stomach or in the intestines and can be absorbed easily.
They can be produced cheaply.
Presently ‘Nanobodies’ are in the process of development of anti coagulants for use in patients who are at the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Nanobodies can also be used in the preparation of anti dandruff shampoos.
A new branch of science has evolved with the invention of the nanobodies, named as Nanotechnology.
This nanotechnology has many applications.

This research in camels is paving a way for the scientists to develop smaller sized antibodies for future applications in Cancer and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Nanobodies – A Hope For Future Treatment of Cancer

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